Aug 24, 2022 - World

U.S. launches airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria

Rebecca Falconer

A F-15E Strike Eagle makes a pass during The Great State of Maine Airshow, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at Brunswick Naval Air Station. — A F-15E Strike Eagle used by the U.S. military. Photo: Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

The U.S. military said it launched "precision airstrikes" against Iranian-backed groups in eastern Syria early Wednesday.

Driving the news: President Biden directed the strikes in Deir ez-Zor, which "targeted infrastructure facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps," according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The strikes follow an attack against U.S. personnel by Iran-backed groups on Aug. 15, according to the statement.
Although CENTCOM did not give any more details on that attack, CNN reports that Iran-backed fighters targeted the Green Village base near the border with Iraq, which resulted in no casualties nor damage.

What they're saying: "Today's strikes were necessary to protect and defend U.S. personnel," said CENTCOM spokesperson Col. Joe Buccino in the statement.

"The United States took proportionate, deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize the risk of casualties."
There was no immediate comment from Syria's state-run media nor Iran's government on the strikes.

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U.S. launches airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria

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